Originally Posted by The Black Ghost

The president doesnt have the authority, however, he is the speaker for Iran and Khamenei has not really spoken up to contradict what he says. As much as Ahmad is a figurehead, he holds power among the many parts of the military indirectly and also many provincial areas.

Khamenei is more reasonable than Ahmad, but if he really disagreed with him, he hasn't done much to stop his ranting.